O. Richard "Rick" Lucero

O. Richard "Rick" Lucero passed away on Wednesday, February 17, 2021.

Rick is now at peace and is reunited with his father Bart Lucero Jr. who passed in 1960, and his mother Mary Ophelia Lucero who passed in 2013.

He is survived by his wife Catherine "Cathy" Lucero; daughters: Denise, Therese and husband Gary; granchildren: Alena, Xavier, Harlan, and Teagan; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Emilio and Martha Pedroncelli; brothers: Joseph Leroy Lucero and wife Gloria, Steve Lucero and wife Hope.

Rick was born on January 9, 1950 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Rick was a life long Albuquerque resident. At a very early age he developed a genuine interest in sports that ranged from basketball, to football, to the serenity of fishing. By age thirteen Rick was already riding motorcycles and by age fourteen he had his first motorcycle license. Rick graduated from Rio Grande High School in 1968. One year later he met Cathy Pedroncelli at a Rio Grande football game. They were married in 1975.

Rick developed an interest in data processing. He studied twin sciences of Data Processing and Accounting at Albuquerque’s Technical Vocational Institute (TVI) and graduated in 1971. In 1972 Rick accepted a position as a mail attendant with Mountain Bell Telephone Company with hopes that he could some day transfer to their data processing unit. After working long and hard, that opportunity arose in 1977. Rick transferred into the data processing department as a computer operator. In the years to follow Rick held numerous positions in software support. Rick was involved in dozens of major projects where his dedication lead to awards for his achievements. After retiring from the phone company in 2001, Rick began working with IT security in the student center at the University of New Mexico. This position not only allowed Rick to continue with his passion for computers, he also found enjoyment interacting with university students. Although committed to his profession, Rick was active in his community by coaching kid’s basketball for several years. He was also a member of the Civil Air Patrol and still allotted time to enjoy camping, traveling, and crewing for hot air balloons with his family.

Rick was an involved father who truly loved his family. Rick first became a grandfather in 2006 and continued to fill the lives of his four grandchildren with memories that will last forever, especially the Papa Rick Face. He always shared his love of singing and his appreciation for Elvis music. Rick’s humor, including his “Rick jokes”, touched and impacted so many people. Starting at a young age and throughout Rick’s life, he endured major surgeries and medical treatments. Rick always spoke of death with peace in knowing he would once again be with his father and mother. Rick fought his final illness with the strength he continuously put forth throughout his life and to protecting his family.     

O. Richard's Life Celebration will begin with a Mass on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 11:00 am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church located at 619 Copper Ave NW, 87102. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery located at 1900 Edith Blvd. NE, 87102.

Due to the COVID restrictions set in place by the Governor, masks are MANDATORY to attend Rick's Mass & Burial. Capacity restrictions for Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and Mount Calvary Cemetery are to be announced.

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